Kingston College Art & Design students from Level 1 and Access & Foundation courses recently enjoyed inspiring and hands-on printmaking workshops led by visiting artists from the local creative co-operative Richmond Printmakers. The sessions took place in the specialist studios at the Creative Industries Centre and alongside the group’s current exhibition in the Penny School Gallery.
Artists from Richmond Printmakers delivered insightful gallery talks linked to their exhibition, sharing professional knowledge and personal approaches to printmaking. Level 1 Art & Design students were introduced to a wide range of techniques, including Lino printing, screen printing, etching and lithography, gaining valuable insight into both traditional and contemporary print practices.
Afterwards they took part in a Tetra Pak printing workshop, etching into recycled materials to create striking mini prints. Using a pasta machine as a printing press, students discovered how accessible and innovative printmaking can be.
Access & Foundation Art & Design students explored the exhibition in depth before working with Richmond Printmaker Jane Craddock-Watson on experimental collagraphs. Students visually translated three words that defined their chosen direction within their Final Major Project, resulting in thoughtful, expressive and highly individual outcomes.
Richmond Printmakers are currently presenting Shared Impressions, an exhibition celebrating the original and diverse work of 18 artists from Richmond and the surrounding area. As a professional printmaking co-operative, the group brings together artists working independently while supporting one another through collaboration, experimentation and a shared commitment to both innovation and the preservation of printmaking traditions. Their work is exhibited widely at a local and national level, reaching broad and varied audiences.
Feedback from Richmond Printmaker Artist-Tutors:
“We were struck by the silence and deep concentration as the students made their plates. They were so engrossed in the process and clearly listened carefully to advice, using it to refine and improve their work.”
“The students were relaxed and clearly at home in the print room, working confidently and effectively. The printmakers wanted to show that printmaking can range from simple and inexpensive to highly technical. We loved sharing the excitement of discovering that something as simple as a pasta machine can produce great prints.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed working with such an interested and thoughtful group. It was a pleasure to share our work and discuss the creative processes involved.”
Richmond Printmakers have two further exhibitions planned over the coming months. Full details about upcoming shows, artists and their work can be found at www.richmondprintmakers.co.uk.
Gallery talks were hosted by Ros Pritchard, Buffy Kimm, Yvonne Guerrier and Diane McLellan.
Workshops were delivered by Corinne Mangan, Loraine Monk and Jane Craddock-Watson.
A huge thank you to Richmond Printmakers for their generosity, expertise and enthusiasm, and for filling the Penny School Gallery with such a captivating and inspiring exhibition.
